A blazing hot topic lately has been about policies regarding pregnancy and maternity leave, namely, the additional benefits that employers can offer their staff. We’ll go over some of these on our next blog. This week we’re going to be talking about the importance of know what employers are REQUIRED by law to offer to their employees. It’s an essential topic to be well-versed in, to say the least.

The three ‘musts’ for employers? Read on:

1. Employers, and their management staff, need to know both state and federal laws regarding leave, including disability. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are all need-to-know. And, it’s important to be up-to-date on these laws before an employee approaches with questions. Preparation is key.

2. Employers and staff must have thorough understanding of lawful employment actions. Changing the employment status of an employee on leave, such as termination, can only be done if it has nothing to do with their pregnancy. For example, the office closes.

3. Employers and staff must have a clear understanding of what constitutes as a disability during pregnancy and after birth. Serious health conditions can arise during pregnancy, birth, and beyond, and employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for these conditions.

Feeling a little overwhelmed about it all?

Training, training, training. Employers and staff should regularly attend training workshops regarding the issue or, better yet, invite a trainer to the office which both makes for a better experience schedule-wise and in receiving personal guidance.

Who can help, you ask? That’s right, Eos HR! We’re here to answer questions, help develop policies, and make sure you’re on the right path to lawfully implementing your policies. We make the hard work less painful so that you can concentrate on growing your business and a fantastic company culture! Contact us today to find out how we can help you!